Jacksonville, FL (Wednesday, October 13th 2016) In the early hours of the morning on Saturday, October 8th, following Hurricane Matthew, a fourth month old kitten was brought to the Jacksonville Humane Society by a good Samaritan. The small, brown tabby cat was in need of serious medical attention. The finder reported that the kitten fell from the underside of a car that a family had used to evacuate. The family was staying with friends during the hurricane – when they started the car to go home after the storm, the kitten fell from underneath!

Seeing the need for immediate care, our veterinary team rushed into action to treat the kitten, who was lethargic and unable to move his back legs. The kitten – now named Matthew – sustained two broken legs but thanks to the quick response of the good Samaritan and our excellent veterinary staff, is expected to make a full recovery!

It is not unusual for many pets to become lost after a storm, and cats/kittens often find a hiding space, such as underneath a car, to seek shelter. JHS opened at noon on Saturday, October 8th, to take in lost/stray animals from the community.

“We knew that the demand for this type of care following the storm would be great,” said Denise Deisler, executive director. “Despite leaking roofs, fallen trees blocking our entrance, power outages, and many staff evacuated, we were open and serving our community within hours of the hurricane passing. We are so thankful that our staff was here to save Matthew the kitten – we can’t wait to see him walk again!”

Matthew is currently in foster care and is not available for adoption just yet. JHS will keep the public updated on his progress via our Facebook page. Those wishing to help with his medical care can donate online at jaxhumane.org/donate, by phone at 904-493-4566, by mail or in person – 8464 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32216.

About the Jacksonville Humane Society

The Jacksonville Humane Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need while engaging the hearts, hands and minds of our community to bring about an end to the killing of abandoned and orphaned shelter animals. More information about the Jacksonville Humane Society is available at www.jaxhumane.org.